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The MARYLAND CAMPAIGN 

AND 

The battle of ANTIETAM 




BY 

MILES CLAYTON HUYETTE 



1915 
BUFFALO, N. Y. 






COPYRIGHT. 1915 

by 

M. C. HUYETTE 






©CI,A414322 



f- 



Nn\/ I iQi(^ 



INTRODUCTORY 

To those who shall read "The Maryland Campaign 
and The Battle of Antietam — " who served in that 
Campaign — will come memory-pictures of soldier boys 
grouped about smoky green-wood fires in bivouac — at night 
— after the fatigueing march of the day; some groups 
singing patriotic and home songs — not forgetting "The Girl 
I Left Behind Me"; another group a prayer-meeting; here 
and there — by fitful lights — some playing cards, others cook- 
ing and eating, and other shadowy forms silhouetted against 
the yellow-red light of camp fires re-reading letters from 
loved ones at home. 

Other than the general history compilation — necessary 
for the development of subject matter — it will be personal 
experience descriptive of soldier-life and battle. 

The illustrations showing war-time views are from 
"Harper's Weekly" and the "Brady" series; other views 
from photographs made by M. C. Huyette in September, 
1914. 

The total Union enlistment in the war was 2,778,314; 
564,949 were "re-enlisted." The estimated number of indi- 
viduals in the United States army and navy during the war 
was 2,213,365— of these 

682,117 were 21 years old and over. 

1,159,789 were 21 years and under. 

844,881 were 17 years and under. 

231,051 were 16 years and under. 

104,987 were 15 years and under. 

1,523 were 14 years and under. 

300 were 13 years and under. 

278 were 12 years and under. 

3 



THE MABYLAN D CAMPAIGN AND 

Only ONE of that 2,213,365 is in active service; ** Johnnie 
Clem" was 11 years and 11 months old when he enlisted. 
For bravery in battle he was commissioned Sergeant — on 
jSeld of battle; is now "Colonel John M. Clem" in active 
service in the Quartermaster's Department, Washington, 
D. 0. — and will be retired this year — 1915. 

Visiting leading points of interest, after an interval of 
fifty-two years for some of them and twenty-four years for 
others, brings to memory living-moving-pictures at the dif- 
ferent places; tentless boys of the Army of the Potomac in 
brush canopies in Pleasant Valley, and shelterless on the 
north face of Maryland Heights — up near the big siege guns 
— where we drove stakes in the ground and placed logs above 
them so that we would not slide down hill when sleeping, 
and would wake nights sitting against the up-hill side of the 
logs with legs hanging over; we were "A-seein' things at 
night," and when we waked were "A-feelin' needles in our 
legs." 

The picture moves! We see the boys in brush canopies 
on a bench of the mountain — to the right and a little lower 
down — fighting mosquitoes, wood-ticks, devils-dam-needles, 
and grey-backs we captured (or they captured us) at Freder- 
ick, South Mountain and Antietam. When the cold October 
rains came how the roofs leaked. 

(In those days, pro-slavery orators preached from the text 
"All men were born free and equal." The grey-backs prac- 
ticed that they preached ; to the grey-backs we were ' ' All free 
and equal" — equally good meat). 

4 




Midin Dumfries ihowef bath Irec 
Wis WIT lime hos pi lal i ty, 



On beds of muO knee deep ne troJ 

And pillowed our htads on rain soakcj sod 



PULLING DUMFRIES MUD WITH BOTH FEET WITH A COLD SHOWER BATH FREE. 



THE BATTLE OF A N T I E T A M 

The picture moves! We see the same boys in dog tents 
and later in log huts in Loudoun Valley; at times lying on 
their bellies in the frosty grass and weeds on a thin picket line 
stretching across the valley ; at other times crouching behind 
rocks for shelter from piercing wintry winds and snow flurries 
— when on picket duty on the bald north face of Loudoun 
Heights. 

We see the bivouac at Goose Creek — where we were all 
buried under six inches of snow, and hear the beat of drums 
and the shrill of fifes and bugles — the reveille at break of day. 
Stiff and sore, racked with pains and aches, coughing and 
limping, the men get out of snowy beds; the scenery as of a 
crowded graveyard — numberless white mounds stretching 
irregularly in the gloomy feeble light. Without fires, and 
shivering with cold, the men eat some fat cold sow-belly and a 
few hard-tack and drink water from canteens; the command 
is given, " Fall in ! Fall in!" All the day tramping in slush 
of sleet, snow and mud, on Leesburg Turnpike, and in the 
afternoon "pulling Dumfries mud with both feet — with a 
cold shower bath free ' ' — in our effort to reach Fredericksburg 
in time for the battle. At night we bivouacked in fields and 
open woods. We cut small limbs from pine trees and made 
beds of them — so we would not sink in the mud whilst sleep- 
ing; placed wet leaves on the brush, then a poncho and over 
that a blanket ; soaked to the skin — and with sodden feet — we 
lay down with haversack for pillow, and with top cover of one 
blanket and poncho over that we slept the sleep of dead-tired 
men. 

5 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

The picture moves backward ! We see the comfortable hut 
life in the jack-pines at Fairfax Station. 

The picture moves ! We see the cold, dreary, filthy, cheer- 
less, comfortless, and almost hopeless hut life at Stafford Court 
House — ^with the many times a day three volleys, as the form 
of somebody's loved one was buried — in the mud. 

Later, that grand old fighting machine, the Army of the 
Potomac, under Burnside, ' ' stuck in the mud ' ' — ^the roads im- 
passable, not even jackassable — in our first attempt on 
Chancellorsville, 

When we fought battles the physical and mental strain was 
terrific. We did more actual labor every day — carrying rifle 
equipment, ammunition, food, water, clothing, blankets, etc., 
than those who remained at home did in a month, and all that 
for 43 cents a day — $13.00 a month — and on a diet the aver- 
age tramp of today would spurn. 

Comrades who had like experiences will know if or not the 
word-picture is true. 

M. C. HUTETTE. 
Buffalo, N. Y., July, 1915. 

Co. B 125th P. V. 12th Corps 1862-3, 

Co. B. 208th P. V. 18th Corps 1864 and 

9th Corps late 1864-5. 



TEE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

CHRONOLOGICAL 

The series of battles on the Peninsula — in front of Rich- 
mond — and the battles at Mechaniesville, Fair Oaks, Savage 
Station, Glendale, Gaines' Mills and Malvern Hill, "The seven 
days' battle" — beginning June 25th, 1862, made a "change of 
base" necessary for the Army of the Potomac. Lee had out- 
generaled McClellan and knowing his opponent, divided his 
force — in face of the enemy — and started the larger part of 
his army for the Potomac for the purpose of forcing McClellan 
to withdraw from the Richmond front. 

Jackson — with his "foot cavalry" — had been sent to the 
Rapidan and by a two-day march attacked the Union troops 
under Banks near Cedar Mountain — this on August 9th. 

August 16th the evacuation of Harrison's Landing was 
completed by McClellan 's army — his retreat having been con- 
cealed by strategy. "Little Mc" was a competent engineer 
and alwaifs ready to retreat. August 22nd the Army of the 
Potomac arrived at Alexandria. 

The main body of troops for the defense of Washington 
was under the command of General Pope — he of "headquar- 
ters in the saddle" fame — and was then on the line of the 
Rappahannock River. On August 23rd artillery firing in- 
duced Pope to fall back. 

Lee again divided his force ; Ewell was detached and pass- 
ing to the right of Pope marched up the Valley and with his 
10,000 troops marched through a pass of the Blue Ridge, drove 
in the Union pickets at Manassas Junction, overpowered the 

7 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

force at Bull Run Bridge and pushed on toward Alexandria. 
Pope marched northward from Warrenton Junction, and his 
forces — which had been joined by Hooker's division — en- 
countered Ewell at Kettle Run. 

August 29th the battle of Groveton was fought; the en- 
gagement became general about 6 :30 a. m., and before noon 
the Union position became critical ; the commands of Kearney 
and Reno arrived, and in the afternoon the force of Hooker 
arrived ; at 6 :00 p. m., the victory was with the Union troops. 

August 30th the second battle of Bull Run; with "the 
Johnnies" it was the place where "the Yankees Run." The 
troops of Heintzleman, Porter, McDowell and Banks — under 
Pope — were engaged with the whole rebel army under Lee 
and were defeated with a loss of 800 killed, 4,000 wounded 
and 2,000 prisoners. The Union Army again retreated. 

General Lee sent Stonewall Jackson to the Little River 
Turnpike — to turn the right flank of the Federal Army — and 
this brought on the battle of Chantilly, September 1st; the 
fighting was fierce, continued until after dark — in a severe 
storm of thunder, lightning and rain. Generals Kearney and 
Stevens were killed. 

September 3rd all the troops of the Army of Virginia were 
brought within McClellan's lines — for "the defense of 
"Washington. ' ' 



TEE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 
THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

AS a result of the battle of Bull Run — second battle — 
August 30th, and the disastrous battle of Chantilly, 
September 1st, the Army of Virginia was forced to re- 
treat within the lines for the defense of Washington — cover- 
ing a period of two days, September 2nd and 3rd, and was 
merged into the Army of the Potomac. General Pope had 
been removed and General McClellan again in full command. 

General Lee, ever prompt in action, believed that the hour 
had come for final success of the Southern Confederacy; be- 
lieved that if he could keep the Union Army beaten — and win 
a decisive battle on Northern soil — would so influence the ap- 
proaching elections in the North as to compel the United 
States Government to accept a proposal for peace, on the 
basis of the independence of the insurgent States. To secure 
supplies — live off the enemy — by moving through a rich sec- 
tion of the country which had not been devastated by the men 
of both armies, and if possible secure recruits, were possibili- 
ties and necessities such as that the only wise plan for Lee was 
the invasion of Maryland. 

The Northward movement of General Lee's troops — ap- 
proximately 60,000 fighting men — started September 4th, 
crossing the Potomac River near Poolesville, Maryland. The 
Confederate ''Army of Northern Virginia" — so-called — was 
overjoyed at its many successes and the prospect of foraging 
at will on the enemy, and believed itself invincible ; to the rank 

9 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

and file it meant shoes, clothing, plenty of food, destruction of 
property of enemies, and, above all, victory to be won from 
the enemy; their song — almost constant — was "Maryland, My 
Maryland," which at that time was the favorite song in the 
South. After September 17th they sang a different song — it 
was ''I Wish I Was In Dixie "—" Dixie-land ! Dixie-land!" 

Lack of unity of plan and action, lack of co-operation at 
critical times in battle, jealousy on the part of commanding 
officers, and bad generalship, made the Maryland Campaign 
possible for General Lee. 

The daily papers in the North printed the news of the 
battles fully and almost daily had columns of lists of the 
killed, wounded and missing; despondency and gloom — with 
almost panic in Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania — pre- 
vailed throughout the Northern States. The Army of the Po- 
tomac, though defeated time and time again, was not dis- 
mayed ; we had lost confidence in many commanding officers 
but this was more than compensated for by gain in confidence 
by the fighting units — the men behind the guns — whose cour- 
age and endurance had been tested by sunshine and storm, 
fatigue of march, at times lack of food and sleep, water unfit 
for man or beast to drink, and had been tried-out in the fierce- 
fires of battle. 



10 




MAJOR-GENERAL '.LOKl.l i' M r (l.KLl.AN 
COMMANDING THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 




LT. -GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE 
COMMANDING THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRf.INIA. 



TEE 



BATTLE 



O F 



ANTIETAM 



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1 



TEE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

September 7th, McClellan took the field at the head of the 
reorganized Army of the Potomac. 

September 6th the brigade of which ray regiment (the 
125th P. V. Infantry) formed a part started, after dark, from 
Fort Barnard, north of Alexandria Seminary — on the Vir- 
ginia side; we crossed the Potomac at Georgetown and were 
then in the rush of the Maryland Campaign. "Three days' 
rations, 40 rounds of ammunition and no baggage." Most 
men had poncho and blanket or overcoat. 

We marched all the night of the 6th and bivouacked in the 
fair ground at Rockville — 14 miles from Washington — Sep- 
tember 7th. 

(On that night march I had a package of smoking tobacco 
and an envelope enclosing some tea — sent by Mother — in the 
one pocket of my blouse; the haversack strap "busted" the 
paper wrappings; when we bivouacked I made tea; the tea 
all looked alike, but was undrinkable. That was my first ex- 
perience in indi\4dual cooking — but was not my last effort.) 

We had been assigned to the First Brigade, First Division 
12th Corps — commanded by Major General Joseph K. F. 
Mansfield ; the Division was commanded by Brigadier General 
Alpheus S. Williams ; the Brigade *organization was com- 
posed as follows : 

Brigadier General Samuel W. Crawford, Commanding. 

5th Connecticut Capt. Henry W. Daboll 

10th Maine Col. George L. Beal 

28th New York Capt. William H. Mapes 

46th Pennsylvania Col. Joseph F. Knipe 

124th Pennsylvania Col. Joseph W. Hawley 

125th Pennsylvania* Col. Jacob Higgins 

128th Pennsylvania Col. Samuel Crossdale 

*The organizations given so that the reader may follow the per- 
sonal description of events to follow. 

12 



THE BATTLE OF A N T I E T A M 

Our itinerary from Rockville to Frederick City was — 
September 9th to Middleville and bivouacked; September 
10th via Goshen to Damascus; September 11th remained in 
bivouac; September 12th, moved via Urbana to near Ijams- 
ville and bivouacked ; September 13th, moved to near Freder- 
ick City and bivouacked between the Monocasy River and 
the town. On the marches — other than the night march 
Georgetown to Rockville — ^artillery and ammunition trains 
occupied the roads and the infantry marched in columns of 
fours, both sides, through orchards and fields of corn, tobacco, 
sweet potatoes, etc. Strict orders prohibitive of foraging were 
issued — as we were marching through Northern territory, and 
whilst many of the inhabitants were slave owners, and in 
sympathy with the Southern cause, the Washington Adminis- 
tration made strong effort to protect Unionists and rebel sym- 
pathizers alike — and thus minimize the effect of the occupa- 
tion of the territory by the rebel army. Present ''Necessity 
knows no law"; the necessities of the Confederates such as 
that they did not discriminate in appropriating properties for 
their then present or future use — and make good their daily 
losses in animals used for transportation purposes. The de- 
struction of growing crops and fences and losses of movable 
property such as that the Confederates were not received with 
"open arms" — as they had expected. 

Notwithstanding the orders prohibitive of foraging, we, 
of the Northern Army, foraged for poultry, raided spring 
houses for milk and butter — but in most instances paid cash 
for that obtained ; occasionally a sheep or a porker would die 
suddenly ; we raised sweet potatoes — from the ground, plucked 
roasting ears as we marched through the cornfields and gath- 
ered apples as we passed through the many orchards. One 

13 



TEE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

day the regiment — 125th P. V. — was "left in line" of the 
brigade and my company was "left company"; following 
was the Third Brigade and at its head Brigadier General" Gor- 
don and his staff. A soldier had killed a porker and not hav- 
ing time to skin it had cut off a hind quarter and was carry- 
ing it on his back suspended from musket barrel ; the man was 
tramping in rear of Co. B, and directly in front of General 
Gordon — who gave him a sharp order, ' ' Close up ! Join your 
company"! the soldier looked over his shoulder but did not 
quicken his pace; in a short time the order was repeated and 
"I am General Gordon." The man saluted and replied, "I 
am happy to make your acquaintance ! ' ' — and the staff roared 
with laughter. 

Boys from the country like milk; it was an ordinary oc- 
currence for them to "hold up cows"; one would hold by a 
horn and the nose and men would be milking at both sides at 
the same time — was a new experience for the cows. 

"When General Lee again divided his forces, September 4th 
— in front of Washington, he was confronting the combined 
Union forces of the "Army of Northern Virginia" and the 
"Army of the Potomac"; at that time Colonel D. S. Miles 
was in command at the fortified post ' ' Maryland Heights and 
Harper 's Ferry ' ' ; the command was not a unit of the reor- 
ganized Army of the Potomac ; was under the direct orders of 
the "War Department in Washington. Miles had a force of 
13,000 at first, but he sent away 1,500 cavalry. Boliver 
Heights — on the Virginia side — a commanding position and 
well fortified from the Potomac to the Shenandoah River; 
Maryland Heights — on the Maryland side — a more command- 

14 




FEDERAL TROOPS FORAGING. 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

ing position and overlooking Boliver Heights was fairly well 
fortified ; these conditions were such as that a courageous com- 
petent commander should have maintained position against 
an attacking force of 40,000 men. 

September 10th Lee again divided his force ; Jackson with 
his foot cavalry" started on a forced march via Boonsboro- 
Williamsport-Martinsburg — for Harper's Ferry for the pur- 
pose of its capture. Miles' command was cut off and com- 
munication with Washington possible only by signal stations 
— using signal flags in day time and by waving lights at night. 
At the time the Confederate Army crossed into Maryland the 
men were ragged, dirty, and many without shoes, but their 
condition changed quickly. Major "Williams — 5th Va. Infty., 
made record — "Our short sojourn in the Land of Promise 
wrought a salutary change in the general appearance and con- 
dition of the troops. The ragged were clad, the shoeless shod, 
and the inner man rejoiced bv a number and variety of deli- 
cacies to which it had been a stranger for long, long, weary 
months before." 

General Jackson marched rapidly, crossed the Potomac 
September 11th, at Williamsport, sent A. P. Hills' division 
directly to Martinsburg and disposed the rest of his command 
to cut off the retreat of the Federals westward. General D. H. 
Hill's division was then halting near Boonsboro to prevent a 
retreat of Miles' command through Pleasant Valley. Brigadier 
General Julius White in command at Martinsburg, retreated 
to Harper's Ferry, and Jackson entered September 12th, cap- 
turing some prisoners and abandoned stores. 

15 



THE M ARY LAND CAMPAIGN AND 

September 12th, General Jackson had directed General 
Kershaw, with his own and Barksdale's brigade, to ascend the 
ridge, whose southern extremity is known as "Maryland 
Heights," and attack that part of General Miles' troops who 
occupied that fortified position. He disposed of the rest of 
his command to hold the roads leading from Harper 's Ferry 
eastward through Weverton and northward from Sandy Hook, 
and guarding the pass in his rear — through which he had en- 
tered Pleasant Valley. Owing to the rugged nature of the 
ground Kershaw could not use artillery. Driving in the ad- 
vanced line on the summit of the ridge on the 12th he assailed 
the main works on the 13th and after a spirited contest they 
were carried ; the Federal troops spiking their heavy guns and 
retreating to Harper's Ferry. At 4 :30 P. M., Kershaw was in 
full possession of Maryland Heights. 

The forenoon of September 13th the leading division, un- 
der General A. P. Hill, came in sight of the fortifications on 
Bolivar Heights — in rear of Harper's Ferry. 

Before beginning the attack General Jackson put himself 
in communication with his eo-operating forces under Generals 
McLaws and Walker, from the former of whom he was separ- 
ated by the Potomac and from the latter by the Shenandoah, 
General Walker took possession of Loudoun Heights — ^which 
overlooked Harper's Ferry and Bolivar Heights — from which 
a plunging fire, at short range, could be delivered in rear of 
the line of the Federal force. That commanding position was 

occupied without opposition. 

16 



TEE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

On the 13th, General Hill sent back the brigades of Gar- 
land and Colquit to hold the pass at Crampton Gap, but sub- 
sequently ascertaining that the Federals were near by in full 
force he ordered up the rest of his division. Longstreet was 
ordered to march from Hagerstown to his support. 

The afternoon of September 13th, we — of First Division, 
12th Corps — crossed the Monocasy River and bivouacked in 
a stubble-field south of the Baltimore Pike, about half dis- 
tance from the river and Frederick City. There the now 
famous ''Lost Order" of Lee was found; it revealed the plan 
of Lee to McClellan. The Army of the Potomac was immedi- 
ately put in motion — with Hagerstown the objective point. 

On the night of September 13th the positions of the differ- 
ent Corps were as follows : 

Reno's Corps, Middletown, except Rodman's division at 
Frederick. 

Hooker 's Corps on the Monocasy, two miles from Frederick. 

Sumner 's Corps near Frederick. 

Banks ' Corps near Frederick. 

Sykes' Division near Frederick. 

Franklin's Corps at Buckeyetown. 

Couch's Division at Licksville. 

The orders from headquarters for the march on the 14th 
were as follows : 

13th — 6:45 P. M. Couch to move to Jefferson with his 
whole division. 

17 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

8 :45 P. M. Sumner to move at 7 :00 A. M. 
11 :30 P. M. Hooker to march at daylight to Middletown. 
11:30 P. M. Sykes to move at 6:00 A. M., 14th, after 
Hooker — on the Middletown and Hagerstown road. 

14th— 1:00 A. M. Artillery reserve to follow Sykes 
closely. 

9 :00 A. M. Sumner ordered to take the Shookstown road 
to Middletown. 

General Pleasonton, with his cavalry, was reconnoitering 
on the front on the 13th ; he continued his reconnoissance the 
morning of the 14th. Gibson's battery and afterwards Ben- 
jamin's battery — of Reno's Corps — were placed on high 
ground to the left of the turnpike, and obtained a direct fire 
on the enemy's position. 

On the 14th, a road for artillery was cut along the ridge — 
on Maryland Heights, and at 2:00 P. M., four Confederate 
guns opened fire on the entrenched Federal line of works on 
Boliver Heights — taking them in flank and rear. 

Early on the 14th the advance of McClellan's army at- 
tempted to force its way to the rear of the position held by 
D. H. Hill by a road south of Boonsboro and Frederick City 
Turnpike; the first attack was repulsed temporarily; the re- 
mainder of Colquit's brigade arrived shortly afterwards and 
was disposed across the turnpike road; that of G. B. Ander- 
son, supported by Ripley, was placed on the right, and Rodes ' 
occupied an important position on the left. Garland's brigade 
which had suffered heavily in the first attack, was withdrawn, 

18 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

and the defense of the road occupied by it intrusted to Colonel 
Rosser — of the Fifth Virginia Cavalry, who reported to Gen- 
eral Hill with his regment and some artillery. The small com- 
mand of General D. H. Hill repelled the repeated assaults of 
the Federal Army and held it in check for five hours. Several 
attacks on the center were repulsed by Colquit's brigade, and 
Rodes maintained his position against heavy odds with the 
utmost tenacity. Longstreet, leaving one brigade at Hagers- 
town, had hurried to the assistance of D. H. Hill. 

On the afternoon of the 14th — when Jackson learned that 
the troops of Walker and McL/aws were in position to co-oper- 
ate in the attack, he ordered General A. P. Hill to turn the 
Federal left flank and enter Harper's Ferry. E well's division 
(under General Lawton) was ordered to support Hill, while 
"Winder's brigade — of Jackson's division under Col. Grigsby, 
with a battery of artillery — made a demonstration to the Fed- 
eral's right near the Potomac. The cavalry under Major 
Massie was placed on the extreme left to prevent escape. 
Colonel Grigsby succeeded in getting possession of an emin- 
ence on the left upon which two batteries were advantageously 
posted. General A. P. Hill, observing a hill on the Federal 
extreme left occupied by infantry without artillery and pro- 
tected only by abatis of felled timber, directed General Pen- 
der with his own brigade and those of General Archer and 
Colonel Brockenbrough to seize the crest, which was done 
with slight resistance. At the same time he ordered Generals 
Branch and Gregg to march along the Shenandoah, and, tak- 
ing advantage of the ravines intersecting its steep banks, to 
establish themselves on the plain to the left and rear of the 

19 



TEE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

Federal works ; this was accomplished during the night. 
Lieutenant Colonel Walker, chief of artillery of Hill's Divi- 
sion, placed several batteries on the eminence taken by General 
Pender, and, under the directions of Colonel Crutchfield, Gen- 
eral Jackson's chief of artillery, ten guns belonging to E well's 
division were posted on the east side of the Shenandoah, so as 
to enfilade the Federal entrenchments on Boliver Heights and 
take the nearest and most formidable works in reverse. 

The attack on the garrison began at dawn, September 15th. 
A rapid and vigorous fire was opened from the batteries of 
General Jackson and those on the Maryland and Loudoun 
Heights. General Miles was killed, and in about two hours 
the garrison, consisting of more than 11,000 men, surrendered, 
with 73 pieces of artillery, about 13,000 small arms and a 
large quantity of military stores. 

Leaving General A. P. Hill to receive the surrender of the 
Federal troops and secure the captured property, General 
Jackson, with his two other divisions, set out at once for 
Sharpsburg, ordering Generals McLaws and Walker to follow 
without delay. 

The early afternoon of September 14th the 12th Corps 
marched through Frederick City, Comrades who participated 
in the forced march of that day will remember the heavy bur- 
den carried; the cutting torture of canteen, haversack and 
cartridge-box straps on shoulder muscles; the stifling clouds 
of dust — ground to impalpable powder by thousands of 
wheels of artillery and ammunition trains, hoof-beats of horses 
and mules and tramping of men ; the intense heat of the sun ; 

20 




GEN. MC CLELLAN PASSING THROUGH FREDERICK ( ITY, SKI'T., 1862. 



THE BATTLE OF A N T I E T A M 

lack of water; the oft-repeated command, "Close-up, men! 
Close-np ! ' ' and the booming of cannon — in the distance — as 
foot-sore and weary we toiled up Elk Mountain hurrying to 
the battlefield of South Mountain. When we reached the 
summit — where we could look down and across Middletown 
Valley — through the shimmering heat waves we could see lines 
of infantry — which looked like ribbons of blue — being rushed 
to the front; the rays of the sun glinted from musket barrel 
and bayonet and polished brass cannon ; batteries in position — 
in the fields in the valley — firing over the heads of the ad- 
vancing line of battle; smoke of shells bursting in air at 
Crampton and Turner's Gaps, and could see lines of smoke in 
the woods near the summit of South Mountain — where the in- 
fantry boys were fighting in the brush among the rocks. It 
was a panoramic moving-picture. 

General Cox's division, which had been ordered up to sup- 
port General Pleasonton, left its bivouac near Middletown at 
6 A. M. The First Brigade reached the scene of action about 
9 A. M., and was sent up the Old Sharpsburg road, by General 
Pleasonton, to feel the enemy and ascertain if he held the 
crest on that side in strong force. This was soon found to be 
the case, and General Cox having arrived with the other bri- 
gade, and information having been received from General 
Reno that the column would be supported by the whole corps, 
the division was ordered to assault the position. Two 20- 
pounder Parrotts of Simmonds' battery and two sections of 
McMullin's battery were left in the rear in position near the 
turnpike, where they did good service during the day against 
the enemy's batteries in the gap. Colonel Scammon's brigade 

21 



TEE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

was deployed, and, well covered by skirmishers, moved up the 
slope to the left of the road, with the object of turning the 
enemy's right if possible. It succeeded in gaining the crest 
and establishing itself there, in spite of the vigorous efforts 
of the enemy who was posted behind stone walls and in the 
edges of timber, and the fire of a battery which poured in 
canister and case-shot on the regiment on the right of the 
brigade. Colonel Crook's brigade marched in columns at 
supporting distance. A section of McMullin's battery under 
Lieutenant Crome (killed while serving one of his guns), was 
moved up with great difficulty and opened with canister at 
very short range on the enemy's infantry, by whom, after 
having done considerable execution, it was silenced and forced 
to withdraw. One regiment of Crook's brigade was now de- 
ployed on Scammon's left and the other two in his rear, and 
they, several times, entered the first line and relieved the regi- 
ments in front of them when hard pressed. A section of Sim- 
monds' battery was brought up and placed in an open space 
in the woods where it did good service during the rest of the 
day. 

The enemy several times attempted to retake the crest, ad- 
vancing with boldness, but were each time repulsed. They 
then withdrew their battery to a point more to the right, and 
formed columns on both our flanks. It was now about noon; 
a lull occurred in the contest which lasted about two hours 
during which the rest of the corps was coming up. General 
Wilcox's division was the first to an*ive. When he reached 
the base of the mountain General Cox advised him to consult 
General Pleasonton as to a position ; the latter indicated that 

22 



TEE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

on the right, afterwards taken up by General Hooker. General 
Wilcox was in the act of moving to occupy this ground when 
he received an order from General Reno to move up the Old 
Sharpsburg road and take a position to its right, overlooking 
the turnpike. Two regiments were detached to support Gen- 
eral Cox at his request. One section of Cook's battery was 
placed in position near the turn of the road (on the crest) and 
opened fire on the enemy's batteries across the gap. The divi- 
sion was proceeding to deploy to the right of the road when 
the enemy suddenly opened (at 150 yards) with a battery 
which enfiladed the road at this point, drove off Cook's can- 
noneers with their limbers, and caused a tempj>rary panic in 
which the guns were nearly lost. But the Seventy-ninth New 
York and Seventeenth Michigan promptly rallied, changed 
front under a heavy fire and moved out to protect the guns 
with which Captain Cook had remained. Order was soon re- 
stored and the division formed in line on the right of Cox, and 
was kept concealed as much as possible under the shelter of the 
hillside until the whole line advanced. It was exposed not 
only to the fire of the battery in front but also to that of the 
batteries on the other side of the turnpike, and lost heavily. 

Shortly before this Generals Burnside and Reno arrived at 
the base of the mountain; the former directed the latter to 
move up the divisions of Generals Sturgis and Rodman to the 
crest held by Cox and Willeox, and to move upon the enemy's 
position with his whole force as soon as he was informed that 
General Hooker (who had just been directed to attack on the 
right) was well advanced up the mountain. 

23 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

General Reno then went to the front and assumed the di- 
rection of affairs, the positions having been explained to him 
by General Pleasonton. Shortly before this time General Mc- 
Clellan arrived at the point occupied by General Bumside, 
and his headquarters were located there until the conclusion 
of the action. General Sturgis had left his camp at 1 P. M. 
and reached the scene of action about 3 :30 P. M, Clark's bat- 
tery, of his division, was sent to assist Cox's left, by order of 
General Reno, and two regiments (Second Maryland and 
Sixth New Hampshire) were detached by General Reno and 
sent forward a short distance on the left of the turnpike. His 
division was formed in rear of Willcox's, and Rodman's di- 
vision was divided; Colonel Fairchild's brigade being placed 
on the extreme left, and Colonel Harland's under General 
Rodman 's personal supervision on the right. 

The order to move the whole line forward and take or 
silence the enemy's batteries in front was executed with en- 
thusiasm. The enemy made a desperate resistance, charging 
our advancing lines with fierceness, but they were everywhere 
routed and fled. 

Our chief loss was in Willcox's division. The enemy's 
battery was found to be across a gorge and beyond the reach 
of our infantry, but its position was made untenable and it 
was hastily removed and not again put in position near us; 
but the batteries across the gap still kept up a fire of shot and 
shell. 

Cook's battery now re-opened fire. Sturgis' division was 
moved to the front of Willcox's, occupying the new ground 

24 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

gained on the further side of the slope, and his artillery 
opened on the batteries across the gap. The enemy made an 
effort to turn our left about dark, but were repulsed by Fair- 
child's brigade and Clark's battery. 

At about 7 o'clock the enemy made another effort to regain 
the lost ground — attacking along Sturgis' front and part of 
Cox's. A lively fire was kept up until nearly 9 o'clock, several 
charges being made by the enemy and repulsed with slaughter, 
and we finally occupied the highest part of the mountain. 

General Reno was killed just before sunset while making 
a reconnaissance to the front and the command of corps de- 
volved upon General Cox. In General Reno the nation lost 
one of its best general officers; he was a skillful soldier, a 
brave and honest man. 

There was no firing after 10 o'clock and the troops slept 
on their arms ready to renew the fight at daylight, but the 
enemy quietly retired from our front during the night aban- 
doning their wounded and leaving their dead in large num- 
bers scattered over the field. 

It was after dark and the battle ended when we began the 
ascent of the mountain. At times we halted to let ambulance 
trains pass down to the rear with their ghastly loads of 
wounded — on their way to field hospitals, the quiet of the 
night disturbed only by words of command, swearing of the 
teamsters, and the groanings and prayers and swearing of the 
wounded and their pitiful cries for "water." When we ar- 
rived at close supporting distance to the then line of battle 

25 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

we bivouacked for the night, time near midnight, and was the 
first opportunity for rest and sleep since in the forenoon be- 
fore leaving Frederick City. Flitting lights showed that the 
work of succoring the wounded was in progress. 

Before daylight the morning of September 15tli the enemy 
retreated; our lines carefully reconnoitered to the front and 
the right of the line was kept within close supporting dis- 
tance. We, of our brigade, breakfasted and then inspected the 
wreck of battle — all about, in field and brush of the mountain 
side. Late in the afternoon we marched through Crampton's 
Gap and after passing the crest we marched by a school-house ; 
the well was being used as a burial vault for the rebel dead — 
that being the easiest and quickest way of disposing of the 
fast decaying bodies. We marched through Boonsboro and to 
the left where we halted in an open field and bivouacked for 
the night. 

The next morning — September 16th — there was some fir- 
ing by batteries of field guns on the heights near Antietam 
Creek; we were rushed to close supporting distance and lay 
down in line of battle, and could see men and guns silhouetted 
against the sky-line and two lines of battle lying down — shel- 
tered by the crown of the hill. 

After dark we were moved closer to the front and halted 
"in column by company" and rations were issued. Our beef 
was driven on the hoof; a given number of cattle would be 
driven to a regiment for slaughter and quick issue to the com- 
panies — for distribution to the men. Some cattle made a 
break and in the darkness rushed over and among the dead- 

26 



TEE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

tired men — who tried to ' ' save the meat. ' ' General Mansfield 
— who was nearby — shouted, "Let them go, boys, you won't 
have time to cook them. ' ' 

About 10 P. M., the night of September 16th, we heard the 
command ' ' Fall in ! Fall in ! " We formed and started to join 
Hooker's Corps which had forded the Antietam in the after- 
noon, and later — under cover of the night — had worked so 
close to the enemy's line that the talking of the men could be 
heard. We crossed the Antietam on a stone bridge — which is 
now known as ' ' Hooker 's Bridge, ' ' muffled our tin cups, coffee 
kettles, etc., so as to repress sounds all possible ; commands 
were given in low tones ; the talking of the men was repressed, 
and about the only sound was of scattered picket firing at 
the front and the mingled noises of men and artillery being 
rushed into position. After midnight we arrived at the 
George Line farm buildings and when massed "in column 
by company" stacked arms; we needed and wanted water — 
but guards had been placed at the wells to "keep the water 
for the wounded" — which was strongly suggestive of expected 
occurrences on the morrow. 

We were now at Antietam battlefield — a place which was 
to be made sacred, the next day, by the blood of 23,334 Ameri- 
can soldiers — 12,410 Union and 10,924 Confederates ; the acci- 
dent of birth and environment determined if they wore "the 
blue " or " the grey. ' ' 

We were massed ' ' in column by company " in a cornfield ; 
the night was close, air heavy, some fog and the smoke from 
the skirmish firing of the late evening and picket firing of the 

27 



TEE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

night and from stragglers' bivouac fires — to the rear — hung 
low ; the only lights the twinkling flashes of fire-flies — kept in 
motion by the movement of men, mules and horses. The air 
was perfumed with a mixture of crushed green cornstalks, 
rag-weed and clover. We made our beds between the rows 
of corn and did not unbuckle or remove accoutrements. The 
night sounds — the scattered firing and occasional rattle of 
musketry on the picket lines — to the front ; the mingled low- 
toned conversation of the men, occasional neighing of horses, 
barking of dogs — at the farm houses, crowing of roosters — 
disturbed at an unusual hour, and the chirping of crickets; 
Katy-dids joined in the night chorus with high pitch and 
speed. Slowly the morning came on. There was some rain- 
fall and as it cooled the air the pitch of the katy-dids fell and 
their speed reduced proportionately until the "Did" was a 
long-drawn-out- quaver — as if it had a tired feeling and did 
not like the company. If we could have raised our voices in 
song, it would have been : 

"Just before the battle. Mother, I am thinking most of you, 
Wliile upon the field we're watching, with the enemy in 
view, 
Comrades brave around me lying, filled with thoughts of home 
and God, 
For well they know that on the morrow some will sleep be- 
neath the sod. 

The Refrain: 

Farewell, Mother, you may never, 

You may never. Mother, 
Press me to your heart again. 

But oh! you'll not forget me. 
Mother, you will not forget me. 

If I'm numbered with the slain." 

28 




MAJ. GEN. JOSEPH E. HOOKER, 1ST COUPS, 
COMMANDING THE RIGHT WING SEPT. 17, iJ 




BRIG. GEN. ALPHEL'S S. WILLIAMS, 1ST DIVISION IJTH ARMY CORPS. 

AFTER GEN. MANSFIELD WAS KILLED HE COMMANDED THE I2TH CORPS; WHEN 

GEN. HOOKER WAS WOUNDED ASSUMED COMMAND OF THE RIGHT 

WING SEPT. 17-18, 1862. 




MAJ. GEN. AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE, QTH CORPS, 
COMMANDING THE LEFT WING SEPT. 17-18, 1862. 



TEE BATTLE OF A N T I E T A M 

Before dawn there was an outburst of cannon thunder — 
this died down in a spiteful growl. The roosters at Miller's, 
Poffenberger 's, Mumma's and other neighboring farm houses 
crowed lustily. As soon as it was light — so that objects could 
be seen at close range — the battle on the right began; first a 
rattle of musketry — followed by cheers and the rebel yell; 
then a roll of musketry — as parts of one or both lines of in- 
fantry got busy ; we could see flashes of fire from the muskets ; 
here and there a battery hurried into position and opened fire 
— the rebels answering gun for gun and ' ' Hell had let loose ! ' ' 

At daylight Hooker's Corps was the extreme right of the 
battle-line — facing west; from right to left the brigades of 
Anderson and Magilton — commanded by Brig. Gen. Meade, 
and to the left the brigade of Hartsuff — with 12th Mass., 11th 
Pa., 13th Mass. and 83rd N. Y. The right flank was ''in air" 
— no natural protection — and to protect the flank the brigades 
of Hoffman and Patrick faced north. At daylight the brigades 
of Hartsuff and Gibbons were thrown forward — with a part 
of Meade's Division in support. At 6:45 A. M., Hartsuff 's 
brigade (with Gibbons to its left) had advanced through the 
bloody cornfield and was on line with its south edge. 

The Charge of the Light Brigade— "The Immortal 600"— 
has been celebrated in poetry, song and story ; its loss was 342 
killed, wounded and missing — 57 per cent. The 12th Mass. 
had nine companies "present for duty" — 268 men were on the 
firing line about four hours. *War Department official record 
shows its loss was 59 killed, 155 wounded, 10 missing — total 
224 ; the loss was 84 per cent. ; nine men had been detailed to 

29 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

assist their wounded from the firing line ; only Captain Cook, 
Adjt. Dehon, Lt. Clark and 32 men (one of whom was J. E. 
Oilman, Past Commander-in-Chief G. A. R. ) left the field with 
the colors. 

The battle then on extended from our extreme right — in 
the north end of West Woods — to the left and across Hagers- 
town Pike, about Miller's farm buildings, stacks, , and out- 
houses : our edge of the cornfield — in which the rebels were 
partly concealed and our edge of East Woods and to the left 
of Mumma's and Roulette farm buildings. 

The general lines of battle are shown by "Map of the 
Battlefield of Antietam ' ' ; the Confederate line — from its left 
to right — Hood, D. H. Hill, Evans, Jones and Toombs ; a part 
of Toombs with Archer, Gregg, Pender, Brockenborough and 
Branch — in rear of that part of Toombs — holding Burnside 
in check at the bridge. 

The Union line positions — right to left — Doubleday, Wil- 
liams, Meade, Greene, Ricketts, Slocum, Sedgewiek, Hancock, 
Couch, French, Irwin: Brooks and Richardson were west of 
Antietam Creek. On the east side — under Porter — Hum- 
phreys, Morell and Sykes, and — under Burnside — Crook, 
Sturgis, Miles, Rodman and Scammon. 

The light dotted line indicating Williams ' ad- 
vance into West Woods is not correct, the heavy - - - - in- 
dicates the line of advance of the 125th P. V. — of First Bri- 
gade of Williams ' Division. 

* The War Department in figuring percent loss used the morn- 
ing report of September 16th, and made the loss 57%; subsequent 
to that morning report Co. H — the largest company — was detached 
and was not on the firing line. 

30 




The Batti efiei.d of Antietam. 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

The light dotted line indicating the advance of 

Greene — of Mansfield 's Corps — to about on a line with Dunker 
Church, is correct for the 34th and 78th New York regiments 
only, they having been sent to the support of the 125th P. V., 
covered the same line of advance made by the 125th and 
reached our battle-line about half an hour after we had taken 
position to the right rear of Dunker Church in West Woods. 

The battle was opened with great spirit by the Confeder- 
ate batteries — opposite Doubleday — and were promptly an- 
swered by Union batteries confronting, the guns doing ex- 
cellent service in compelling changes in position — and thus 
temporarily silencing the enemy 's artillery. Gibbon 's brigade 
moved forward to commence the Union infantry attack — at 
our extreme right — and was closely followed by Phelp's bri- 
gade in support; about twenty minutes later Patrick's brigade 
was also ordered forward. The advance line was Sixth Wis- 
consin — to the right, and Second Wisconsin to its left; they 
advanced into a cornfield. The right wing was ''in air" and 
was outflanked by the Confederates. The section of Camp- 
bell's battery under Lieutenant Stewart was also brought 
into action on an eminence to the rear, to fire over the heads 
of the troops — in answer to the enemy's batteries in front. 
Gibbon's entire brigade soon became hotly engaged. Phelp's 
brigade had followed that of Gibbon's and reached an open 
space beyond the woods where Campbell 's battery was posted, 
and then moved by the flank and deployed forward in a corn- 
field in the rear of Gibbon's command. The enemy's line 
having outflanked that of Gibbon's, Colonel Post, who was in 

31 



THE MARYLAND CA3IPAIGN AND 

command of the Second Regiment of U. S. Sharp-Shooters — 
was ordered to move to the right and front, advance his left, 
and attacked that portion of the enemy's line that flanked 
onrs. In this engagement the Sharp-Shooters suffered se- 
verely, and Colonel Post was wounded, after capturing two 
battle flags from the enemy. Patrick's brigade closely fol- 
lowed the two others, advanced and for a short time took post 
in the same cornfield as a support. A strong enfilading fire 
came from the woods against our troops in the cornfield and 
to meet this General Patrick was ordered to occupy and hold 
the woods, detaching, however, one of his regiments to support 
Campbell 's battery, a section of which had moved forward to 
the right, in the vicinity of a bam and some haystacks. 

The movements of the 7th Wisconsin and 19th Indiana into 
the woods to drive off the enemy, which were acting against 
our right flank, was simultaneous with those of Patrick's bri- 
gade — moving forward into the woods at the same time. The 
two regiments named took position in advance of and parallel 
to the rest of Gibbon's line. Patrick's three regiments had 
scarcely taken their position in the woods before a body of the 
enemy appeared on their right guarding a battery of light 
guns they had posted there. One of Patrick's regiments was 
sent to watch that battery and the 23rd New York, under 
Colonel Hoffman, was detached for that purpose. The two 
remaining regiments — the 21st and 35th New York — closed up 
on the 7th Wisconsin and 19th Indiana, and all moved for- 
ward together. The enemy, previous to this, had kept up a 
brisk firing, but was sheltered by a series of rocky ledges, 
which afforded them almost perfect security; they poured in 

32 



TEE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

heavy volleys of musketry. To meet this increase of fire 
Patrick 's two regiments were thrown forward in the first line. 
To all appearances the enemy had been strongly re-inforced 
and they not only resisted our advance but moved to try and 
capture Campbell's battery and regain possession of the corn- 
field ; this charge was repulsed by fire of the 2nd and 6th "Wis- 
consin regiments, by repeated discharges of the battery which 
fired double canisters, and by the flank fire of the 7th Wiscon- 
sin and 19th Indiana Regiments — of Gibbon's Brigade, and 
the 21st and 35th New York of Patrick's Brigade — these four 
regiments having taken up a position perpendicular to their 
former one which enabled them to pour in a heavy fire on the 
flanks of the charging columns. This united effort drove the 
enemy back — saved the guns and gave us a renewed possession 
of the cornfield. General Patrick now pushed his regiments 
up to the road, which he held firmly for some time and cap- 
tured two battle flags from the rebel regiment which advanced 
against him; he was finally attacked both on his right flank 
and rear and compelled to fall back ; he withdrew to a line of 
rocks at right angles to the general direction of the strip of 
woods — and about fifteen rods from them — where he remained 
waiting for ammunition and re-enforcements to be sent him. 

General Williams, of Mansfield's Corps, now came up 
with re-enforcements. He sent a regiment to watch the rebel 
force that supported the enfilading battery — which was acting 
against the right of Patrick's line — and the other regiments 
were notified of the nature of the ground and the position of 
the enemy and were instructed by General Patrick as to the 

33 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AX D 

position they ought to assume to enfilade the enemy 's line and 
drive him from a strong position near the Dunker Church, 
which seemed to be the key of the battlefield. The re-enforce- 
ments did not attack in the right place and they were soon 
swept away by a terrific fire against their left and front from 
the enemy behind the rocks whom they could not see. Their 
line gave way and the main body of the rebels advanced. We 
had no troops left to stand the shock ; those then engaged had 
been fighting since daylight and being out of ammunition, 
were obliged to fall back. 

Patrick's brigade — covering the retreat — resisted the 
enemy gallantly and retiring in perfect order. Campbell's 
command lost 38 men in killed and wounded — including its 
commander among the latter, and having had twenty-seven 
horses killed was no longer in condition for active sers'ice and 
was compelled to retire behind the supports of Sedgwick's 
Division. It was soon followed by Gibbon's and Phelp's 
brigades — exhausted as they were by long-continued fighting, 
nearly out of ammunition, and too few in number to keep 
back the overpowering forces that were advancing. 

The battle on the right had opened at about 5 :00 A. M. ; a 
heavy force of the enemy were concealed in a cornfield — of 
about 30 acres — and was revealed by the rays of the sun glint- 
ing from bayonets projecting above the corn. Orders were 
immediately given to mass all spare batteries, about 30 guns, 
on the right of this field and to open with canister at once ; in 
less than a half hour every stalk of corn was cut as closely 
as could have been done with a knife, and the slain Confeder- 

34 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

ates lay in rows as they had stood in their ranks a 
few minutes before. That firing of canister at short range 
made it "the Bloody Cornfield." The natural peaceful ap- 
pearance of the previous night-fall had been changed to a 
bloody dismal battle-field — covered with strewn and trampled 
green cornstalks, personal equipment, and the dead and 
wounded. 

Our Brigade, massed in column by company, moved first 
toward the cornfield and when we got where the shells went 
over our heads most men ducked — then would straighten up 
with a sickly kind of a grin; from the rear of the cornfield 
we were moved to the left and deployed — forming line of 
battle — near the South end of East Woods in which the two 
lines of battle were then fiercely engaged and were not a 
hundred j^ards apart. 

Just before we entered East Woods stragglers and wound- 
ed, and riderless horses, drifted past the right and left of 
the regiment and surged to the rear; one wounded boy who 
was shot through the left wrist, holding his right hand over 
lower forearm and writhing with pain, called out as he went 
by, "Go in, boys! Go in, boys! Give them Hell!" 

Owing to the condition of the atmosphere a cloud of smoke 
hung low and we could see but a short distance ; we could see 
flashes of fire and hear the ' ' Zipp — Ping ' ' — and a thud when 
bullet hit an object; our lines^ — in front of us — practically 
had melted away but "Johnnie Reb" was on the spot and 
was firing at us from behind trees and ledges of rocks — scat- 
tered here and there — and from which we dislodged them, 

35 



TEE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

but they kept up a hot fire while being pressed back; in 
clouds of smoke — as would lift — ^we could see men running, 
stopping to load and firing again. We were now in the thick 
of the fight ; had broken through the rebel line and with both 
"flanks in air" were ordered to "Halt!" — "Lie down!"; 
again advanced and it was ' ' Halt, lie down ! " ; we made two 
or three like movements before our final advance into "West 
Woods; whilst we were lying down — in open fields — bullets 
from the right rear crossing our line and were fired by our 
own men at the rebel line which remained intact on their front. 
Just after passing from East Woods we made our first 
* ' Halt, lie down ! ' ' and whilst in that position General Mans- 
field — who was near our right front — was mortally wounded ; 
men from the 125th Pennsylvania carried him to the rear. 
At this time the 125th regiment was in a clover field — partly 
plowed — to the right of the Smoketown Road, and due to the 
two lines of fence, either side of the road. Company B was 
doubled on Company A which on that day was second Com- 
pany from the left of the regiment, Company G being the 
right of the regiment. At this time General Hooker came 
from the rear — with his horse on a dead gallop — and accom- 
panied only by an orderly ; when he saw Colonel Higgins, who 
was on his knees in a fence comer — where he would be parti- 
ally protected from the firing in front and be able to observe 
the movements of the enemy — said "Colonel, what regiment 
is this, what is in front of you?" The Colonel answered, 
"125th P. V. — Nothing but rebels"; General Hooker pointed 
to West Woods and gave the command "Advance and hold 

that woods." Bullets were like hail, his horse was wounded 

36 



TEE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

in several places and was frantic with pain. Colonel Higgins 
said "General, you had better get out of this," and he re- 
plied "Guess I had" and at that instant a musket ball hit 
him in the lower instep of right foot, he then wheeled his 
horse and galloped to the rear. 

The Mumma home, barn, and out-buildings were burning 
and with the smoke of battle obscured the field so that ex- 
treme caution was necessary. As we were being shelled by 
massed batteries — located near Dunker Church — two or three 
of us crawled to the left and took cover from a disabled Con- 
federate cannon — which had been abandoned; the "Johnnies" 
thought we intended to capture it, so they turned a gun on 
us and the first shot went through a wheel; when the spokes 
flew we rolled over and crawled out of range — and you can 
imagine how our new blue uniforms looked after the process. 

Before crossing to the left of Smoketown Road a staff 
officer, a Lieutenant, passed from the left of the regiment to 
the right carrying a verbal order : The horse was on a dead 
gallop with side to rifle and shell-fire of the enemy — in and 
about the east front of West "Woods, the horse's neck was 
stretched to the utmost, the long rein was held loosely and 
swaying with the plunging pace of the horse — struggling over 
the ploughed ground ; the rider was ' ' wobbling ' ' perceptibly ; 
a shell hit the horse in lower flank and rider and horse tum- 
bled forward in a heap ; the Lieutenant was jarred sober ; 
when he got back to us the first thing he said was, "It was 
a hell of a wonder I was not killed, and me so damned drunk. ' ' 

37 



TEE MABYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

Our next advance carried the line so that "Co. B" lay 
down at the near fence of the lane leading from Smoketown 
Road to the Miimma farm buildings; the other nine com- 
panies to the right of Smoketown Road in the clover field. 
The fence was post and rail ; cannon balls made the splinters 
fly; we lay as thin as possible and stuck our heads in the 
furrow — turned away from the fence. 

The smoke lifted and we could see the enemy in West 
Woods; in the meantime a battery advanced to and in line 
with our right-front and opened fire on the Confederate Artil- 
lery — to the left and in front of Dunker Church — and com- 
pelled its removal, to get out of the deadly range; this re- 
lieved us and we started for West Woods. In this movement 
the regiment swung away from Smoketown Road and to close 
the gap we scrambled over the two fences — under sharp 
musketry fire from West Woods; dead men were hanging on 
the fences and we were lively to get down. The near side of 
Hagerstown Pike was rail fence but it was so completely 
wrecked as to not be an obstruction. When we got possession 
of West Woods the skirmishers (Co. G) were pushed down 
from the crest of the hill and close to an open field, and the 
regiment took possession of the crest. If at that time we had 
been properly supported, and a right effort had been made to 
protect the flanks of this advanced battle-line, the key to the 
battle-field would have been held and Lee's left would have 
been annihilated. From the time we passed East Woods no 
Union troops were in sight to our left. Dead and wounded 
lay about in every conceivable position ; the trees freshly 
scarred, and broken branches hanging and littering the 

38 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

ground. The walls of the church were scarred by bullets 
and daylight let in through holes made by shells. We could 
look to the left and see rebel formations being made to drive 
us out — and our regiment alone in the rebel lines without 
support. 

Two regiments were sent to our support — one was 34th 
New York and the other the 78th New York. 

The skirmishers were driven in and a partial cross fire 
combed the ground — made the fallen dead leaves move as if 
alive and active — and the slaughter began. When we opened 
fire the crash, cheers, and cries of the wounded made a fear- 
ful din and it was impossible to hear orders. No words can 
convey to the inexperienced a comprehensive idea of the surg- 
ing and plunging of two great armies in deadly battle — a 
hurricane of death sweeping the earth. At this time the 34th 
New York moved by left flank to get into line, but only about 
two companies got in position on the firing line ; the balance 
of the regiment and 78th New York were covered by the 125th 
regiment and for that reason they could not aid us at the 
critical time — ''too late." 

The cross fires from the right and left caused disintegra- 
tion — first from the right and extended to the left; the first 
I knew was to be almost alone and a mass of yelling and firing 
rebels only about fifty yards distant. 

In the clover field was a battery of twelve pounder brass 
guns — which were double-shotted with canister; the Com- 
mander sat on his horse as if on parade and with his sword 
was motioning us to lie down or separate. We obliqued out 

39 



TTIE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

of range and when we uncovered the guns they discharged as 
if one gun ; lanes were mowed through the mass of men ; they 
pulled their hats down to keep the dirt out of their eyes and 
pressed forward. One of our men (Tresse) did lie down, the 
rebels charged over him until driven back by the canister from 
the guns; the rebels retreated over him and after they had 
gone he got up and came into our lines. 

When we passed to the rear of the battery we laid down 
and again began firing to "support the battery" and we 
stopped their rush when within about twenty-five yards of 
the guns; their dead and wounded lay like a winrow in a 
liayfield, and scattered where they fell. The next day I 
counted as many as fifteen lying in touch. 

The time was now about 10 A. M., and we had begun about 
5.00 A. M. without sleep and no breakfast, and were about 
exhausted. 

"When the 125th P. V., formed line of battle — after pass- 
ing through the south end of East Woods — M. C. Huyette 
was in the last file to the extreme left of the regiment; the 
lay of the land and the smoke of battle was such as that we 
could see to the left but short distance; there was no battle- 
line in sight, to the left, but there was artillery firing from 
our line at our left rear. Soon after we rallied behind the 
battery in the open field, partly plowed — in front of East 
Woods — a part of the 6th Corps, under Franklin, came to 
our support; at that time the line of battle to our left had 
advanced to nearly on line with the then burning Mumma 
buildings. Up to that time there had been no heavy firing 
to our left. Burnside's artillery — on their side of Antietam 
Creek — was firing but his infantry were not engaged. 

40 




HAWKINS ZOUAVES CHARGING ON fKM KTKR V HILL SlI ARPyBlTUG IN VALLEY IN 

DISTANCE. 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

The Second Corps, Gen. Edwin Sumner, marched from 
Keedysville about 7.30 A. M. and arrived on the battle-field 
about 9.30 A. M. The First Division — Brigadier General 
Hancock — forded the Antietam and moved forward on a line 
nearly parallel to the creek and formed line of battle, by bri- 
gades, in a ravine behind the high ground overlooking Rou- 
lette's house; Meagher's brigade immediately advanced and 
soon became engaged with the enemy — posted to the left and 
in front of Roulette 's house ; it continued to advance under a 
heavy fire nearly to the crest of the hill overlooking Piper's 
farm buildings, the enemy being posted in strong force in a 
sunken road directly to its front. This road is now known 
as "Bloody Lane." 

When the battle to our left developed French, Brooks and 
Richardson battled fiercely. The fierce fighting on the right, 
under Hooker, had practically ended and Burnside not yet 
engaged. 

The battle had been opened by the first corps advancing on 
the extreme right — where Lee had massed a crushing force 
against it; the Corps maintained the struggle unaided until 
it was virtually destroyed and its commander — Hooker — 
severely wounded. Then the 12th Corps moved out to meet 
a like fate, with the death of its Corps Commander Mansfield ; 
after they had been fought out the 2nd Corps marched into a 
similar struggle — and to like destruction. 

The early morning of the battle the Confederates had 
opened heavy artillery firing on Burnside 's line; his batteries 
were soon brought to bear on the Confederate guns — which 

41 



TEE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

were soon silenced and two caissons blown up. About tbat 
time the General ordered French to make disposition to carry 
the stone bridge over the Antietam Creek, but to wait further 
orders before making the attack. Burnside then threw his 
lines forward; at 10.00 o'clock he received an order to begin 
the attack. Burnside then ordered Gen. Rodman to cross 
over at the ford below the bridge, and join on to the left of 
the command which was to be thrown over the bridge. Official 
records show thait about two thousand Union troops forded 
Antietam Creek south of the stone bridge and was in position 
such as it was then possible to crush the right of Lee 's battle- 
line; in numbers it was superior to the Confederate troops 
which was then holding Burnside in check. No attack was 
made and these troops recrossed Antietam Creek. The best 
opportunity for a decisive victory — in the battle — was lost to 
the Union forces. From General Crook 's positon it was found to 
be almost impossible to carry the bridge; General Sturgis was 
ordered to make a detail from his division for that purpose and 
he immediately sent forward the 2nd Maryland and 6th New 
Hampshire, which regiments made several successive attacks in 
the most gallant style, but were driven back by the galling fire 
of the enemy — direct fire of about 1,500 Confederates concen- 
trated on the bridge and the approach thereto. The batteries of 
Burnside, on the left of the bridge, then concentrated their 
firing on the woods above the bridge, and General Sturgis 
was ordered to detail the 51st Pennsylvania and 51st New 
York to assault the bridge and carry it at all hazards. Gen- 
eral Sturgis by judicious posting of these two regiments in 
rear of a spur which fronted the bridge succeeded in pro- 

42 



THE BATTLE OF A N T I E T A M 

tecting them from the enemy's fire until they reached the 
crest of the spur — at which point they commenced their 
charge and carried the bridge at the point of the bayonet at 
about 1.30 P. M. the whole division following him. 

The regiments separated at the head of the bridge, to the 
right and left, and moved up the steep banks crowning the 
heights immediately beyond. Our loss at this place was fear- 
ful, the enemy being posted in rifle-pits and behind barricades 
withili easy musket range of our men and almost entirely 
concealed and covered from our shots. 

Colonel Crook's brigade crossed immediately after Sturgis' 
division and took its position in support — in rear. General 
Rodman's division succeeded in crossing the fords below and 
after a sharp fight of musketry and artillery joined on the 
left of Sturgis, Scammon's brigade crossing after him and 
taking position in rear and in support. General Wilcox's 
division was ordered to cross and take position on the right 
of General Sturgis. 

Quoting from the excellent report of General Cox: 
"The bridge itself is a stone structure of three arches 
with stone parapet above, this parapet to some extent flanking 
the approach to the bridge at either end. The valley in which 
the stream runs is quite narrow, the steep slope on the right 
bank approaching quite to the water's edge. On this slope 
the roadway is scarped, running both ways from the bridge 
end, and passing to the higher lands above by ascending 
through ravines above and below ; the other ravine being some 
600 yards above the bridge, the turn about half that distance 

43 



TEE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

below. On the hillside immediately above the bridge was a 
stone fence, running parallel to the stream; the turns of the 
roadway were covered by rifle-pits and breastworks made of 
rail and stone, all of which defenses, as well as the woods 
which covered the slope, were filled with the enemy's infantry 
and sharpshooters. Beside the infantry defenses, batteries 
were placed to enfilade the bridge and all its approaches. The 
crest of the first hill above the bridge is curved toward the 
stream at the extremes forming a sort of natural tete-de-pont. 
The next ridge beyond rises somewhat higher, though with 
less regularity, the depression between the two being but 
slight, and the distance varying in places from 300 to 700 
yards. ' ' 

The dispositions of the forces named were completed about 
3 o'clock and general Cox was then ordered to move forward 
with the whole command — except Sturgis' division which was 
left in reserve — in the order in which they were formed, and 
attack the town of Sharpsburg and the heights to the left. 
The following batteries accompanied their divisions; with 
Sturgis' Division, Clark's and Durrell's; with Wilcox's Divi- 
sion, Cook's battery; with Cox's Division, part of Simmonds' 
and Muhlenberg's battery — of Rodman's Division — was on 
that side of Antietam Creek during part of the engagement. 
The officers and soldiers moved forward with the greatest en- 
thusiasm, driving the enemy before them. General Wilcox, 
with General Crook in support, moved up on both sides of 
the Sharpsburg road and succeeded in reaching the outskirts 
of the village. General Rodman succeeded in carrying the 
main heights on the left of the town, the 9th New York regi- 

44 



TEE BATTLE OF A N T I E T A M 

ment capturing one of the most formidable of the enemy's 
batteries. At this juncture of the battle the enemy was 
largely re-enforced by General A. P. Hill's light division 
which had just arrived from Harper's Ferry and by numerous 
batteries from their extreme left. During the attack General 
Rodman was forced to bear more to the left than was intended 
when the advance was ordered and General Cox was forced 
to move him more to the right with a view to strengthening 
the line, during which movement General Rodman was mort- 
ally wounded while gallantly leading his command to the 
assault. 

At this time Colonel Harland's brigade was driven back, 
leaving the battery which they had captured. Colonel Scam- 
mon's brigade changed its front to the rear on its right, thus 
protecting our left flank. It was now nearly sundown. Gen- 
eral Sturgis' division was then ordered forward in support, 
and, notwithstanding the hard work in the early part of the 
day and a lack of ammunition they moved with the greatest 
alacrity and enthusiasm, holding the enemy at bay and fight- 
ing at close quarters until long after dark. 

It was assumed that the enemy had been strongly re-en- 
forced and that our advance line could not be re-enforced, 
and, acting on that assumption, the command was ordered 
to fall back to the crests above the bridge and assume the same 
formation that was made before the attack. 

The organizations to which we belonged had been fought 
to a stand-still. When the sun went down there was heavy 
artillery firing — both lines — and it looked like a great red ball 
of blood ; as the darkness of the evening increased the artillery 
firing gradually ceased. 

45 



THE MARYLAN D CAMPAIGN AND 

In the morning a large proportion of the soldiers in the 
new regiments were "boys," but when the roar of battle 
ceased we were men. 

The men were physically exhausted, hungry and but few 
had food, thirsty and without water, sad at heart — for com- 
rades who had been killed or wounded, depressed in spirit — 
for the reason that whilst victory had been possible; at almost 
any hour of the day, we looked forward to the morrow with 
forebodings of possible defeat or the usual retreat — in face of 
an enemy inferior in number. 

An estimate of the Confederate forces, made up by direc- 
tion of General Banks from information obtained by the ex- 
amination of prisoners, deserters, spies, etc., previous to the 
battle of Antietam, was as follows: 

General T. J. Jackson's corps 24,778 

General James Longstreet 's corps 23,342 

General D. H, Hill's two divisions 15,525 

General J. E. B. Stuart, cavalry 6,400 

Generals Ransom's and Jenkins' brigade 3,000 

Forty-six regiments not included in above 18,400 

Artillery, estimated at 400 guns 6,000 



Total 97,445 

Jackson's corps, 24.778 and A. P. Hill's corps, probably 
about 15,000, were both at Harper's Ferry until after 7.30 
A. M., September 17th. A. P. Hill's corps — other than 
Thomas' brigade — was put in motion at 7.30 A. M. and the 
head of the column arrived on the battle-field of Sharpsburg, 
a distance of seventeen miles, at 2.30 P. M. and strengthened 

46 



TEE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

the troops opposed to Burnside's line of advance, and it was 
further strengthened about 5 o'clock by the arrival of a part 
of Jackson 's corps. When the battle opened Lee had less than 
40,000 men at Antietam — on the basis of General Banks' es- 
timate; allowance should be made for over-estimating the 
forces of the enemy by officers in the Northern Army. 

A careful study of all the reports shows that when the 
battle of Antietam opened the Confederate force approximated 
35,225 men; the Union Army was officially reported "present 
and accounted for, 87,176," and of these approximately 47,- 
000 comprised the actual fighting force — making a total, both 
armies, 82,225; the "nominal list of killed and wounded" 
shows that 29% of those actually engaged in the battle were 
killed and wounded. 

Our own forces, present and fit for duty, were estimated 

as follows: 

First Corps 14,856 

Second Corps 18,813 

Fifth Corps (one division not arrived) 12,930 

Sixth Corps 12,300 

Ninth Corps 13,819 

Twelfth Corps 10,126 

Cavalry Division 4,320 



Total in action 87,164 

General Fitz John Porter's corps, the Fifth, 12,930 men, 
practically was held in reserve — with other troops — and its 
total loss was 17 killed, 90 wounded, and two missing — 109 
men. McClellan practically had about 30,000 men at Antie- 
tam who did not fire a shot during the battle — were held in 
reserve. 

47 



THE MABYLAN D CAMPAIGN AND 

After night-fall effort was made for succoring the wound- 
ed, issuing rations and ammunition, and men finding their 
own commands. Roll-call was made to determine the losses 
in killed and wounded but the lists as made up were "nominal 
losses" — ^not actual — and in almost every instance were below 
actual. 

The "nominal losses" of the 125th Pennsylvania — as de- 
termined the night of September 17th — were 145, hut subse- 
quent official regimental report made the total loss in killed, 
wounded, and missing, 226. 

Personal experiences and observations of places and move- 
ments, on that day of fierce battle, justify the sustaining of 
statements made — and following — by official record. 

In the early morning fighting the Dunker Church was con- 
sidered "the key of the battle-field." It has been made of 
record that the 125th P. V. — unaided directly — advanced 
through East Woods and to right rear of the Church; the 
"high water" line of our battle-line advance is there marked 
by a monument dedicated to the regiment. 

(oro, 172— Official Eeports— Series X Vol. XIX) 
' ' HDQES. ONE HUNDEED AND TWENTY-FIFTH, PA. VOLS., 
Camp near Sandy Hook, Md., September 22, 1862. 
SIE: I have the honor to report to you the part taken by my regi- 
ment in the action near Sharpsburg on the 17th of September, 1862. 

I was ordered by General Crawford to advance in close colunm, at 
daylight, through some fields to East Woods where there was heavy 
firing at that time going on. I was then ordered into the woods and 
then back again by General Crawford, then to throw out skirmisherB 
and again advance through the woods until I reached the other side of 
the timber, and then deploy in line of battle and advance through the 

48 





MONUMENT 125111 P. V. 

IS LOCATED AT MOST ADVANCED POINT OF BATTLE LINE IN WEST VVOODS- 
OF DUNKEH CHURCH. 



-RIGHT REAR 



THE BATTLE OF A N T I E T A M 

fields and there halt. At this place my command was exposed to a 
most terrific fire of musketry, shot, and shell. I then fell back a few 
rods, by order of General Crawford, where I remained some minutes, 
and was again ordered forward to the crest of the hill, which I was to 
hold. 

At this time some colonel — whose name I do not know — told me 
that his troops were falling back for want of ammunition, and asked 
me to advance to his support. I immediately reported this to General 
Crawford who ordered me to advance at once. I gave the command 
and my men started forward with a yell, driving the enemy before them 
and gaining possession of East Woods. Here I took some prisoners, 
whom I sent to the rear. Again I was ordered to advance and halt in 
line with a battery. Before reaching the battery I took a nimiber of 
prisoners, some of whom came running back with white handkerchiefs 
tied on their guns and gave themselves up. At the battery I gave the 
command for my men to "lie down" — whilst awaiting further orders. 
About this time the fire of the enemy slackened somewhat, only some 
shots from their sharpshooters being fired and these at mounted officers 
and artillery horses. Previous to this General Mansfield fell, some of 
my men carrying him off the field on their muskets until a blanket was 
procured. General Hooker here came up to me and inquired if any 
troops were in the woods in front. I replied, "None but rebels," and 
that my command was in front. While talking to me his horse was 
shot by some of the enemy's sharpshooters. I remarked to him that his 
horse was shot. He replied, "I see," turned and went away. 

In a short time I received an order to advance into West Woods. 
I gave the order "Forward," my regiment advancing in splendid style 
and driving some South Carolina and Georgia troops back into West 
Woods. I halted at the edge of the woods, and ordered Captain Mc- 
Keage, of Company G, to deploy his company as skirmishers. This 
done, I again advanced a short distance in the woods, and halted again 
to examine the enemy's position, I found him in force in my front and 
on my right. On looking around I discovered myself without support 
either in my rear or right, and, being the only mounted officer present, 
I gave my horse to Lieutenant Higgins and instructed him to ride back 
to the general, inform him of my situation, and ask him to send me 
support immediately or I would be unable to hold my position, and that 
the enemy would certainly flank me and cut me off, my command being 
at this time in advance of the whole corps. 

49 



TEE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

I now ordered Captain McKeage to advance cautiously with his 
skirmishers, and, at the same time, the regiment to advance to the 
crest of a small hill. My skirmishers soon became engaged with the 
enemy who were advancing on my front in force. They continued to 
advance; I ordered my skirmishers to rally, and gave the command to 
"commence firing." A most destructive fire caused the enemy to halt. 
I held him here for some time, until I discovered two regiments of them 
moving around my right, while a brigade charged on my front. On 
looking around and finding no support in sight I was compelled to re- 
tire. Had I remained in my position two minutes longer I would have 
lost my whole command. I fell back to the rear of the first batteries, 
when an artillery officer rode up to me saying that his battery was on 
the left front and entirely unsupported, and asking me if I would sup- 
port him. I replied in the affirmative, and marched my command to the 
battery and took my position. 

General Franklin now rode up and inquiring what regiment this 
was, I replied the One Hundred and Twenty-Fifth Pennsylvania; he 
said my position was right and he was glad I was there, and ordered me 
to remain there which I did. I stayed there until the One Hundred 
and Twenty-Fourth Pennsylvania coming up under command of its 
Major, General Franklin ordered me to form it in my rear and take 
command of both regiments. 

My adjutant, K. M. Johnston, who acted as major in the absence 
of Major Lawrence who has been in the Georgetown hospital for some 
time, fell, mortally wounded. His conduct on the field during the whole 
action was most gallant. All my officers and men behaved in splendid 
style, particularly Captain McKeage and his company who acted as 
skirmishers during the engagement. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, 

JACOB HIGGINS, 
Colonel, Comdg. One hundred and twenty-fifth Regt. Pa. Vols. 

Col. J. F. KNIPE, 

Forty-sixth Pa. Vols. Comdg. 1st Brig., 1st Div., Banks' A. C. " 

It has been claimed by different organizations that subse- 
quent to the 125th P. V. and 34th and 78th New York retreat- 
ing from West "Woods, near right of Dunker church, they had 
occupied the same position ; all such claims are refuted by 

50 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

personal observation and also official records by command- 
ing officers in the Confederate Army. General Wm. T. Wof- 
ford commanded Hood's brigade (Texas brigade) and has 
made record : 

*'By this time our line commenced giving way, when I 
ordered them back under cover of the woods to the left of the 
church, where we halted and waited for support, none ar- 
riving. After some time the enemy commenced advancing 
in full force. Seeing the hopelessness and folly of making a 
stand with our shattered brigade and a remnant from other 
commands, the men being greatly exhausted and many of them 
out of ammunition, I determined to fall back to a fence in our 
rear, where we met the long looked for re-enforcements, and 
at the same time received an order from General Hood to 
fall back farther to the rear to rest and collect our men. 
After resting a short time we were moved back to the woods 
in the rear of the church from where we advanced to the 
fight in the morning, which position we held until late in the 
evening, when we were moved by the right flank in the direc- 
tion of Sharpsburg to a place near the center of our line, 
where we remained during the night and next day, until the 
recrossing of the Potomac by our army was ordered." 

Colonel E. M. Law, commanding a brigade, in his official 
report says : 

"The right of my brigade rested at St. Mumma's Church 
(Bunker's Chapel). Across the road was an open field a 
quarter of a mile in width, extending along the whole front 
of the line and beyond it about 600 yards. This open space 
was bounded on the northeast (to my front) and the north- 
west (to my left) by woods" — (This was East Woods.) — 
"At one P. M. having been supplied with ammunition I was 
again ordered to the field and took position in the wood near 
the church. Here the brigade remained, under incessant can- 
nonade, until near nightfall." 

Other like Confederate record confirms statements made 
heretofore. 

51 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

That which transpired in the Confederate line in West 
"Woods and about Dunker Church — at place first occupied by 
the 125th P. V. — is covered by the official report of Brigadier 
General Kershaw: 

"About 9 o'clock we were ordered forward to the relief 
of General Jackson's forces, then engaged on the left, in the 
wood in the rear of the church. The Georgia and Mississippi 
brigades were formed in a plowed field to the right and rear 
of the wood ; my brigade in their rear in the same field. The 
enemy was discovered in the wood, advancing toward its right 
face, where some of our guns had been abandoned before our 
arrival. Perceiving this Major-General McLaws directed me 
to occupy that part of the woods in advance of them while our 
lines were being formed. For this purpose I ordered for- 
ward, at double-quick, Colonel Kennedy's Second South Caro- 
lina regiment to march by a flank to the extreme point of the 
wood; then by the front to enter it. Before the head of the 
regiment had reached the point, and when entangled in a rail 
fence, the enemy opened fire upon them from a point not 
more than sixty yards distant. They promptly faced to the 
front and returned the fire so rapidly as to drive the enemy 
almost immediately. At the same time the brigades of Cobb 
and Barksdale, now on their left, advanced to their support. 
I then hurried up my three remaining regiments — the Eighth, 
Lieutenant Colonel (A. J.) Hoole; Seventh, Colonel (D. W.) 
Aiken, and Third, Colonel Nance — and conducted them to the 
right of Colonel Kennedy, who by this time had advanced 
beyond the wood and to the left of the church, driving the 
enemy. I then ordered Read's battery to a position on the 
hill to the right of the wood and sent in Colonel Manning, 
who reported to me on the field, with "Walker's brigade to the 
right of my own brigade. Our troops made constant progress 
for some time along the whole line, driving in column after 
column of the enemy. Colonel Aiken's regiment approached 
within 30 yards of one of the batteries, driving the men from 
the guns, and only gave way when enfiladed by a new battery 
placed in position near them, leaving Major White dead and 
one-half their men killed or wounded upon the field. 

52 









''1S*'*>^-^''*' 



•«4ifc«. 



WKI-IK (IF HATII.I \.NI1ITAM. 

(War-time photos — Brady series) 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

About this time the enemy was heavily re-enforced, and 
our line fell back to the wood — which was never afterward 
taken from us. Read's battery having suffered greatly in the 
loss of men and horses was withdrawn, by my order, when the 
infantry fell back. The lines were reorganized behind the 
fences, near where they entered the fight, and their exhausted 
cartridge-boxes replenished. 

Later in the day we moved to the left of General Early's 
command, which occupied the wood to the left of the church, 
where we remained until ordered to move across the river on 
Thursday night, September 18th." 

That the fire on the right of our line was effective is of 

record by Brigadier General Paul J. Semmes, commanding 

his brigade in McLaw 's division, and is covered as follows : 

''I know of no particular cases of individual bravery, and 
can make no discriminations where all did so well, it appear- 
ing to be the determination of every one to do his whole duty, 
as the lists of casualties accompanying this report will testify, 
showing a loss of 894 killed, wounded, and missing out of 
about 2,200 with which I reached Gordonsville. ' ' 

The fierce musketry firing of the day was at short range, 
and with the lines within fifty to sixty yards of each other. 

Personal experience, when the battle of the day had 
ceased, was a day of intense excitement, tense nervous strain, 
severe physical effort and resultant exhaustion, without food 
since about midnight previous, and without water ; in thought 
recited the 23rd Psalm, commended myself to Almighty God 
and without personal fear lay down with the root of a tree 
for a pillow, and with the darkness of night the only cover- 
ing slept for hours undisturbed by the rattle of mut?ketry 
on the skirmish lines to the front. The only dread the pos- 
sibility for defeat on the morrow. 

53 



TEE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

George Morgan in "The Issue" — a novel — gives the ex- 
perience of one of his imaginary characters, a soldier on the 
battle-field of Antietam, as follows: 

"It was gruesome and strange to him, sitting with prone 
figures almost within reach of his hand ; and M^hen he looked 
far and wide over the field — with its smouldering fires and 
flitting lights — a sense of sorroAv and terror and the unpitiful- 
ness of God seized him. He was not on the crest of the sweet 
old earth — where were bird-song and cricket chirp and fire- 
side-joy and the thousand brightnesses he had known in times 
past ; he was not on such an earth, but upon another world — 
an outer, darker, more savage world — a far plutonic spot in 
ether where one breathes away his breath without hope of 
the mercy of the Lord Jesus. If one's soul may suffer an 
ague, that Johnsey's suffered — being projected in spirit away 
from this dear world and off into outer space where there 
can be no warmth for the human heart. Even when death 
lays hold upon one there is bound to be sorrow; but, how, 
when upon undug graves lie thousands, comrades, better 
men perhaps than yourself — each lopped off of his loves and 
hopes?" 

On the 18th the skirmishers of both lines kept busy ; there 
was no artillery firing and no general fighting. In the after- 
noon an unauthorized flag of truce party went out to the 
left of the Smoketown Road; it was in charge of Lieutenant 
Garian Schollenberger of Company B 125th P. V., and was 
composed of Lieutenant Schollenberger, M. C. Huyette, 
Corporal Schollar, and James Houck. 

The firing ceased for a few hundred yards on either side of 
Smoketown Road and we were met between the two skirmish 
lines by a rebel lieutenant — one of the "Louisiana Tigers"; 
we wanted to find the bodies of some dead comrades and 

54 




LUTHERAN ClITIRCH IN 



HI l;r,, EXTERIOR WAS HARD PLASTER FINISH, DAMAGED 
BY ARTILLERY FIRING. 



TEE BATTLE OF A N T I E T A M 

succor any of their wounded comrades who might then be 
lying between the lines of firing ; the rebel lieutenant wanted 
to obtain the body of his brother, who had been killed and 
left dead in our lines. We exchanged some dead. Looking 
at the line of dead rebels, with tears coursing his cheeks, the 
Lieutenant said "Most of my men lie there," and when we 
parted shook hands and said, "Hope we will not meet in 
battle tomorrow." 

The day was spent in issuing rations and ammunition, 
men who had become separated from their commands finding 
their proper places, and resting as best Ave could with minnie 
balls whistling about. 

On the night of the 18th-19th the rebels began their 
retreat ; just before daylight their skirmish line departed in 
haste. With clothes dirty and torn and faces begrimed with 
dirt and smoke — furrowed here and there where perspiration 
had run down — it was a difficult matter to recognize comrades. 

Burial parties were detailed and the work of digging long 
trenches for the dead was immediately begun ; burial parties 
carried the bodies of the dead to the trenches and placed them 
for burial. 

"Not a drum was heard nor a funeral note," 

As the mangled men were carried ; 
"Not a soldier discharged a farewell shot" 

'er the trenches where they were buried. 
"No useless coffin inclosed their breasts," 

Nor in sheet nor in shroud we bound them, 
"But we laid them like warriors taking their rest," 

With their old gray blankets 'round them. ' ' 
55 



THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

Pits were dug into which to dump the dead animals. The 
whole field of battle was littered with abandoned caissons, 
cannon, rifles, swords, bayonets, dead animals, dead of both 
armies and accoutrements of the troops; and whilst burial 
parties were disposing of the human wreckage of the battle 
other details were engaged in gathering the abandoned mater- 
ial ennumerated ; those not performing the above duties visited 
different points of interest on the battle-field nearby. 

September 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th, was the great- 
est opportunity that ever knocked at the door of an American, 
the greatest opportunity in our history ! Had the possibilities 
been exhausted Gettysburg and the nearly one year's siege of 
Petersburg would never have had place in history. Unfortun- 
ately the battle was not fought as a unit of aggressive force; 
practically it was a Corps' Commander and Brigadier Gen- 
eral's battle. McClellan had 30,000 men within close support- 
ing distance who did not fire a shot, but, as usual, were held 
to cover a possible retreat. 

Late on the afternoon of the 19th we left our position and 
filed into Hagerstown Pike, near Dunker Church, and marched 
through Sharpsburg on our way to re-capture Maryland 
Heights; we marched all night and crossed to the East side 
of the Blue Ridge mountains, about Brownsville, into Pleasant 
Valley and continued our march therein until we got to the 
left-front of our fortified line across the crest of Maryland 
Heights; we then ascended the mountain and not knowing 
that the rebels had retreated from Harper's Ferry we ex- 
pected to battle where General Kershaw had attacked the 

56 




£ 2 ^ 



o & 




THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

troops of Colonel Miles, but when we arrived at the works we 
found them abandoned and we bivouacked waiting further 
orders. All about us was the wreckage of the fighting of 
September 13th and the unburied bodies of the dead of both 
armies; to minimize the danger of pestilence the only thing 
we could do was to gather brush and logs and burn the bodies 
of the dead. We remained on the summit of Maryland 
Heights several days. Later we bivouacked — under brush 
canopies — at the east foot of Maryland Heights in Pleasant 
Valley, and later marched around the end of the mountain 
and up on west face of Maryland Heights — where we bi- 
vouacked, without shelter, above where the fifty-pounder rifled 
guns had emplacements. 

Blocks and tackle were furnished and we hoisted the aban- 
doned fifty-pounders — which had been spiked and dumped 
from emplacements — into position and removed the spikes, so 
as to get the guns in serviceable condition. Later we moved 
to a bench of the mountain to the right, and a little lower 
down, where we bivouacked in brush canopies in the brush 
on the mountain-side. Cold rains came on and as we were 
poorly clad, and with no shelter, our situation was pitiable — 
to say the least. 

The distance from the battle line at Antietam to the Po- 
tomac River was short and Lee had no difficulty in effecting 
a complete crossing before daylight the morning of the 19th. 
When our cavalry reached the river rebel batteries had been 
placed on the bluffs on the Virginia side. General Porter, 
commanding the Fifth Corps, ordered a detachment from 



TBE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN AND 

Griffin's and Barnes' brigades, under General Griffin to cross 
the river at dark the night of September 19th and carry the 
enemy's batteries. This was gallantly done under the fire of 
the enemy. Several guns and caissons were taken and their 
supports driven back half a mile. But information obtained 
during the progress of this fight, indicated that the main body 
of the enemy had retreated on the Charlestown and Martins- 
burg roads towards Winchester; to ascertain how far the 
enemy had retired General Porter was ordered to detach from 
his Corps, on the morning of the 20th, a reconnoitering party 
in greater force; this detachment crossed the river and ad- 
vanced about a mile, when it was attacked by a large body 
of the enemy lying in ambush in the woods and was driven 
back across the river with considerable loss. This recon- 
naisance showed that the enemy was still in force on the 
Virginia bank of the Potomac and prepared to resist our 
further advances; General McClellan stated, "Under these 
circumstances I do not feel authorized to cross the river with 
the main army over a very deep and difficult ford in pursuit 
of the retreating enemy, known to be in strong force on the 
South bank, and thereby place that stream — which is liable, 
at any time, to rise above a fording stage — between my army 
and its base of supply." 

Practically this ended the Maryland Campaign. The 
work of re-organizing, drilling, and supplying the army, be- 
gan at the earliest moment; guards were stationed along the 
river in the best positions to cover and guard the fords. Dur- 
ing this period the main army of the enemy remained in the 

58 



TEE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM 

vicinity of Martinsburg and Bunker Hill and occupied its time 
in drafting and enforcing every able-bodied citizen into the 
ranks, taking their property when it was not voluntarily of- 
fered, burning bridges, and destroying railroads. 

October 6th, McClellan received an order from Washington 
to ' ' Cross the river and attack the enemy, ' ' but as usual dila- 
tory tactics were followed and there was no general movement 
of the Army of the Potomac until October 26th to November 
1st. 

On the 25th of October a Pontoon bridge was built at Ber- 
lin — there being already one across the Potomac and another 
across the Shenandoah at Harper's Ferry. 

On the 26th two divisions of the Ninth Corps and Pleason- 
ton's brigade of cavalry crossed at Berlin and occupied 
Lovettsville. The First, Sixth and Ninth Corps, the cavalry, 
and the reserve artillery, crossed at Berlin between the 26th 
of October and the 2nd of November. 

The Second and Fifth Corps crossed at Harper's Ferry 
between the 29th of October and the 1st of November. Heavy 
rains delayed the movement in the beginning ; the First, Fifth, 
and Sixth Corps were obliged to halt at least one day at the 
crossings, to complete, as far as possible, necessary supplies 
that could not be procured at an earlier period. 



59 




BRIG. GEN. GEO. G. MEADE. 



At the opening of the battle of Antietani, 
General Mead commanded the 3rd Division 
1st Corps. After General Mansfield was 
killed, and General Hooker wounded, General 
Williams assumed command of "the right 
wing" and General Meade the command of 
the 1st Corps. 

In the midst of the Pennsylvania Cam- 
paign, in 1863, General Meade was appoint- 
ed to the command of the Army of the 
Potomac and until the close of the war was 
its immediate commander — under General 
Grant. 

General Meade was always equal to the 
occasion — in strategy aTid battle. 



THE HAMVOND PRESS, BUFrALO, R.Y 



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